1970 60 HP Evinrude running - no water flow

[rjg236]

Had a great day last week when after installing a new spark amplifier, flushing the lower unit with some fresh type c, priming with some fresh premium she coughed and sputtered to life after 8 years of sitting. Better yet when neutral and reverse engaged perfectly under remote control.

However I see no water exiting through the outlet just above the cavitation plate. I've checked the thermostat and it functions in a saucepan with hot water. I've let the motor run for a few minutes without seeing evidence of water exiting. Pretty sure it's getting up to temp. Can anyone explain the proper operation of the water outlet on this motor. There appears to pee tube on this motor per the service manual and I want to make sure my next step is to crack open the lower unit and feed wires. Because aside from the water circ problem everything is working well.

Appreciate any info you guys might have.

 

[oldboat1]

Don't think you have tell tale unless one was added. Make sure the impeller is fresh. Check the top of the head for surface temp (infrared gun is a nice tool to have). Run in with the l.u. submerged in a barrel or in the lake to make sure the pump is working as intended.

 

[rjg236]

Yes, typo. No tell tale. I ran with muffs for 5 minutes in 65 degree weather hand checking the head temp, saw no water exiting the opening indicated in the shop manual above the cavitation plate. Uncertain of the condition of the Impeller. Engine is quite clean for its age, compression read 145/150/145. Think I've got a good motor and functioning transmission. Impeller arrives at my parts store today. Just wanted to avoid pulling off the lower unit and hassling with the wires if I was missing something simple.

 

[F_R]

You cannot test a water pump by running on muffs. The pump is not pumping while you are doing that---only letting the hose water flow through.

 

[rjg236]

OK. I'll get a barrel. What temp range should I be looking for on the top of the head with the infared thermometer?

 

[oldboat1]

Depends a little on the temp of the cooling water, but should see 120-140F when the motor is warmed up. 160F is too hot.

 

[rjg236]

Thank you all for your help.

 

[oldboat1]

You're welcome. Let us know results. See you motor has the tilt accessory!

 

[rjg236]

Thanks again for the advice. I borrowed a friends IR thermometer. Turns out running the motor for 8 to 10 min at idle didn't get the water flowing. Average temps were around 125-135 with no visible water flow. I pulled the thermostat again. This time I fired the engine with the thermostat housing off. Got a good spurt of water. So, the impeller was working. Then installed the housing minus the stat and for the first time water flowed out of the outlets and generously. I then tested the thermostat on the stove in a pot of water monitoring with the thermometer. It opened at 143 degrees per spec. So, I’m not pulling the lower. The impeller is working great, it just wasn’t up to temp at 135 degrees. And in this motor, nothing flows until the thermostat opens. I’m getting my own IR thermometer. Great tool. Also added the throttle cable stay and replaced a couple of plastic ball & socket pieces back on the throttle/advance linkage. Now the stick does the job. Last thing is to check the gear oil tomorrow to see if we took on water in the barrel. If so, time for new shaft seals. If not it’s to the lake on Saturday for the rebirth of the little 50 year old tri hull and her motor condemned by my local repair shop 4 years ago. Looking like a pretty nice little purchase for $425 boat+trailer+motor.

 

[racerone]

You really should install a new impeller !!----Or test the " hot light " on the control box.------Better yet install a horn for overheat warning.----There was never a factory " pee fitting " on this motor.----And you need more water in your test bucket .

 

[rjg236]

I'll test the hot light.

Also, looks like I get to replace prop shaft seals. This was fresh type C, 3 days ago ($16 a quart). A day in the tub and it doesn't look so good. Good thing I bought 4 quarts. I'm picking up the seals today from the stealership. Man, some boat shop dudes are pretty arrogant. Customer service at my local evinrude dealership leaves alot to be desired. I'd like to remind them we all have a line of work and expertise. Might want to ese up on the know-it-all attitude.

 

[oldboat1]

Drain some oil from the fill plug. Look for water there. The nastiness in the water may simply be unburned fuel and other combustion byproducts. (or is that what you are showing?)

 

[rjg236]

oldboat1 see pic below.
​​

 

[oldboat1]

Yes, I saw it. What do you see there? Dirty oil or water separation?

Best to pressure and vacuum test the lower unit, if you haven't done that to locate the leak. But it sounds like you already have a plan.

 

[rjg236]

I see a bit of both. What you see there was new clean fluid just a few days ago. Prior to that it was a mess. So it's possible the fluid just mixed with other old stuff that didn't make its way out on the first change. But I doubt it. I'm guessing I have a leak somewhere. I bought new seals, however the evinrude mechanic in my local town told me today pressure testing can be difficult and doesn't always pinpoint the leak source. He told me to run it and check it and see what happens. Not exactly what I expected to hear.

 

[racerone]

I have looked at many oil seals.----They do wear on shafts that spin at 5000 RPM and 2500 RPM.----Seals do go hard over the years.-----The nature of rubber products.----Dealers do know that a pressure test clamps the worn seals on the shaft and give a false sense of security.-----Install a seal kit on this 50 year old beauty !!

 

[rjg236]

[No message]

 

[rjg236]

You're welcome. Let us know results. See you motor has the tilt accessory!

Do you know where I can find info on that tilt motor? It works but is a little sick. It needs some resealing and fluid.
​​​​​​

 

[oldboat1]

Need to find a service manual for your motor. Aftermarket would be better than nothing -- try your local public library (may need to follow Covid rules). May be an electrical issue -- polish up all connections and see if that makes a difference.

 

[rjg236]

I have an original shop manual. Might be in there. I figured it was an accessory and not part of the manual. I'll check.